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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

PET HEALTH #20-Cystitis

Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder
wall. Several underlying medical issues
can cause cystitis. The most common
cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection.
This is especially true for female dogs and cats. Bacterial infections in dogs and cats happen
the same way they do in people, and pets will show similar symptoms. These symptoms include: increased frequency
of urination, straining to void the bladder, and blood in the urine. Antibiotics are used to treat bladder
infections.

Bladder stones (uroliths) can also cause cystitis. Bladder stones are mineral deposits that form
into rock-like substances. These stones
can be as large as golf balls! The
symptoms are exactly the same as with bladder infections. Occasionally, a small stone may become
trapped in a male dog’s or cat’s urethra causing a blockage. This is a serious condition that requires
emergency treatment.

During the early stages of stone development, the
pet will have crystals in the urine. Dogs
may or may not develop symptoms of cystitis during the crystal phase. Cats will typically start to show symptoms
during this phase. As I stated earlier,
these crystals and stones are caused by mineral deposits. These deposits are created by the urine either
being too acidic or too alkaline. The treatment
is a change in diet, which will either raise or lower the pH of the urine. Some bladder stones will dissolve in response
to the diet change. However, surgery is
usually needed to remove the stones.

A less common cause of cystitis is a bladder
tumor. These usually develop in older
female dogs. The tumors are typically benign.

There are other less common causes of cystitis. All causes create the same symptoms. Therefore, if your pet is showing symptoms if
cystitis, you should take him or her to a veterinarian in order to get an
accurate diagnosis.

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